

ABC News Daily
ABC
ABC News Daily is the podcast that helps you understand the issues affecting your world. Every episode, host Samantha Hawley walks through one story with the help of an ABC colleague or expert in under 15 minutes. When you want coverage you can trust, listen to ABC News Daily.
Key topics of recent episodes include the Donald Trump administration, DOGE, Tesla, insurance costs, recession risks, egg shortages, DeepSeek, neo-Nazis, Putin and Xi, solar batteries, the jobs market, anti-Semitism, and the Israel-Hamas war.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were returned to office in the 2025 election, with a strong parliamentary majority, we will be following the government’s new agenda and how the diminished Liberal and National Party Coalition responds. The podcast picks apart major policy areas, including energy policy, finance and the Federal Budget.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis on the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including massive tariffs on trade, have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or remarkable reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), the big banks, supermarkets, TikTok, Ozempic, Tesla, Elon Musk, Twitter, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, COVID, cyber security, spies, espionage, education, schools, teachers, crime and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Australians.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the mindset of Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians and the role of Iran.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. When North Korea's Kim Jong Un fires ballistic missiles, we'll assess the danger his regime poses.
When scammers target superannuation, your tax return and the ATO, you'll hear advice on what you can do to protect yourself.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The future of electricity generation in Australia is being debated, and as claims are made about the merits of nuclear power, come to ABC News Daily for context around its potential role in replacing or augmenting coal and gas power plants and what it could mean for power bills. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
The podcast looks at key businesses, including Coles and Woolworths, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the construction, resources and manufacturing industries. When they report record profit, battle unions, or raise prices, the podcast pays attention.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, Patricia Karvelas, John Lyons, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Key topics of recent episodes include the Donald Trump administration, DOGE, Tesla, insurance costs, recession risks, egg shortages, DeepSeek, neo-Nazis, Putin and Xi, solar batteries, the jobs market, anti-Semitism, and the Israel-Hamas war.
From interest rates, real estate and the housing crisis, to scams and US politics, ABC News Daily brings you facts and analysis you need to understand the biggest news stories.
After Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Labor were returned to office in the 2025 election, with a strong parliamentary majority, we will be following the government’s new agenda and how the diminished Liberal and National Party Coalition responds. The podcast picks apart major policy areas, including energy policy, finance and the Federal Budget.
The podcast covers news from America, with analysis on the Donald Trump administration in the White House. His actions, including massive tariffs on trade, have big implications for global politics and the economy and US journalists and experts will explain what's at stake.
As Australians battle a cost-of-living crisis, ABC News Daily looks at the causes of inflation, rising rental costs, house prices, insurance costs and the price of groceries. Key experts in business and finance join Samantha Hawley, explaining the state of the economy, the unemployment rate and the jobs market.
Whether you rent, own an investment house or apartment, or are repaying a mortgage, ABC News Daily offers unique insights and analysis. When there are big moves from the Reserve Bank (RBA) on interest rates, or remarkable reactions in the ASX or the Australian dollar, guest experts, including economists, explain why.
Look into ABC News Daily's archive to find episodes on electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), the big banks, supermarkets, TikTok, Ozempic, Tesla, Elon Musk, Twitter, Facebook, Mark Zuckerberg, COVID, cyber security, spies, espionage, education, schools, teachers, crime and issues relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) Australians.
ABC News Daily follows developments in the Middle East and the war between Israel and Hamas, with insights into the mindset of Benjamin Netanyahu, Palestinians and the role of Iran.
The podcast looks at the latest from Ukraine as Volodymyr Zelensky fights to repel the Russian invaders led by Russia's President Vladimir Putin. As China's Xi Jinping contemplates the future of Taiwan, ABC News Daily will sort fact from fiction. When North Korea's Kim Jong Un fires ballistic missiles, we'll assess the danger his regime poses.
When scammers target superannuation, your tax return and the ATO, you'll hear advice on what you can do to protect yourself.
As climate change fuelled by greenhouse gas emissions increases the risk of natural disasters, including fires and floods, ABC News Daily brings you fact-based analysis.
The future of electricity generation in Australia is being debated, and as claims are made about the merits of nuclear power, come to ABC News Daily for context around its potential role in replacing or augmenting coal and gas power plants and what it could mean for power bills. The podcast covers the future of renewable / green power generation, including the use of wind turbines, solar and hydro electric power.
The podcast looks at key businesses, including Coles and Woolworths, Qantas, the Commonwealth Bank and the construction, resources and manufacturing industries. When they report record profit, battle unions, or raise prices, the podcast pays attention.
ABC experts including Ian Verrender, Alan Kohler, Laura Tingle, Patricia Karvelas, John Lyons, and Annabel Crabb join Samantha Hawley to step through big issues and current affairs.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 6, 2025 • 15min
The Glastonbury 'death' chant that sparked a firestorm
Dorian Lynskey, a British music journalist and author known for his expertise in protest songs, dives into the recent controversy surrounding rap band Bob Vylan at Glastonbury. He examines the implications of their provocative chant against the Israeli military, which sparked debates about anti-Semitism and censorship. Lynskey discusses how artists navigate free speech and the repercussions of political expression, emphasizing the complexities of protest music in today's media landscape. The conversation highlights the power and risks of music as a form of activism.

11 snips
Jul 3, 2025 • 15min
Alan Kohler on raising the GST
Alan Kohler, ABC's finance expert, delves into the pressing need for economic reform in Australia. He argues that discussions at the upcoming roundtable should prioritize artificial intelligence over traditional tax debates. Kohler highlights the proposal to raise the GST from 10% to 15% as a potential revenue booster while ensuring support for low-income earners. He also addresses the challenges AI poses to employment and the importance of adapting business strategies to leverage this technology effectively.

9 snips
Jul 2, 2025 • 16min
Why there’s no ‘silver bullet’ to make childcare safe
Caroline Croser-Barlow, the CEO of The Front Project, advocates for improvements in early childhood education. She discusses the recent shocking allegations against a childcare worker, which have left families reeling and raised urgent questions about safety standards. The conversation delves into the need for comprehensive safety measures, including banning personal phones in childcare spaces. Croser-Barlow emphasizes the importance of fostering trust between parents and educators while addressing the systemic challenges facing Australia’s childcare industry.

Jul 1, 2025 • 15min
Will Netanyahu’s Iran ‘win’ lead to a Gaza ceasefire?
Hussein Ibish, a senior resident scholar at the Arab Gulf States Institute, sheds light on the intricate dynamics of the Israel-Hamas conflict. He discusses Netanyahu’s shift in focus following military actions in Iran and the implications for hostage negotiations. The political landscape is charged, with Trump advocating for a ceasefire while tensions in Gaza escalate. Ibish highlights the complexity of achieving peace amid ongoing violence and Netanyahu's precarious leadership situation, contemplating whether new U.S. talks could foster a durable resolution.

Jun 30, 2025 • 16min
Is the teen social media ban ready for rollout?
Ange Lavoipierre, ABC’s national technology reporter, dives into Australia's upcoming social media ban for kids under 16, set to kick off in December. She tackles the murky waters of which platforms will be affected and how age verification will work. The conversation highlights concerns over facial age estimation technology's accuracy seen in schools and innovative alternatives like voice analysis. Ange also discusses the pressing need for consistent regulations across platforms to ensure young users are protected from online dangers.

17 snips
Jun 29, 2025 • 13min
Why your AI questions are a power and water drain
Join Gordon Noble, Research Director at the Institute for Sustainable Futures, as he sheds light on the hidden energy costs of AI. He discusses how our everyday AI interactions contribute to significant energy and water consumption, which poses risks to the environment. Gordon analyzes the rising energy demands of data centers and their impact on climate change, while proposing sustainable solutions like recycled water. He emphasizes the need for a national strategy to balance AI’s potential with its environmental footprint.

Jun 26, 2025 • 16min
Can Trump bomb Iran and still be 'America First'?
Molly Ball, Senior Political Correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, dives into the ideological rift within the MAGA movement over Donald Trump's decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities. She discusses how this move challenges the 'America First' promise, revealing divisions among influential supporters like Tucker Carlson and Steve Bannon. The conversation highlights Trump's fluctuating reputation as a peacemaker amid ongoing global conflicts and the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the Middle East, particularly regarding Israel and Iran.

5 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 18min
Will Putin help Iran rebuild its nuclear program?
Anna Borshchevskaya, a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute and an expert on Russia’s Middle East policy, delves into the complexities of Russia-Iran relations. She discusses why Putin hasn't provided substantial military aid to Iran despite their close ties, especially amid Israeli and American threats. The potential consequences for Iran's nuclear ambitions and the balancing act of Moscow's interests in the region are highlighted, revealing the intricate dance of diplomacy in a turbulent geopolitical landscape.

16 snips
Jun 24, 2025 • 15min
Trump's shaky ceasefire
Jonathan Panikoff, Director of the Scowcroft Middle East Security Initiative at the Atlantic Council, discusses Donald Trump's unexpected ceasefire in the Israel-Iran conflict. He delves into Iran's motivations following recent missile attacks on U.S. bases, questioning the sustainability of peace. The conversation explores Israel's military strategies to counter Iranian threats and the complexities of diplomatic relations. Panikoff emphasizes the fragile nature of the ceasefire and its broader implications for regional stability amid changing global alliances.

8 snips
Jun 23, 2025 • 16min
Iran’s three options after Trump’s strikes
Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, offers deep insights into Iran's political landscape following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. He discusses the three strategic options available to Iranian leaders, emphasizing that surrender is not on the table. The conversation explores the complexities of Trump's regime change rhetoric and its implications for Iran's alliances. Vaez also highlights the geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for civil unrest amid Iran's internal challenges.